Packaging having indicators

ABSTRACT

An array of disposable absorbent articles. The array has a first absorbent article and a second absorbent article. The first absorbent article is enclosed in a first package having i.) an outer surface wherein the outer surface has an outer surface area and ii.) a first identifier having a first surface area. The first identifier is disposed on the first absorbent article and corresponds to a first absorbency. The first identifier is disposed on the first package. A second absorbent article is enclosed in a second package having i.) an outer surface wherein the outer surface has an outer surface area and ii.) a second identifier having a second surface area. The second identifier is disposed on the second absorbent article and corresponds to a second absorbency. The first surface area of the first absorbent article is different than the second surface area of the second absorbent article.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a package tampons comprising an indicator.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Surprisingly, some of the problems associated with the proper selectionand use of such products are traceable to modern developments in thetechnologies used to improve their performance. In the past, theabsorbency of catamenials, as well as other absorbent articles such astampons, baby diapers, and adult incontinence garments, could beestimated by visual inspection of their size, shape, and bulk. However,improvements made in modern absorbent articles in an effort to increasein-use comfort and to increase the compactness for ease-of-packaginghave resulted in the development of thin, and even ultra-thin, products.Rather than relying on size and bulk to achieve absorbency, such modernarticles typically employ absorbent gelling materials (hereinafter“AGM”; “superabsorbents”), new methods of forming absorbent batts orpads of cellulosic fibers, and/or various structural improvements toachieve the desired absorbency. Whatever the technology, the result isthat the performance or absorbent capacity of such articles can nolonger be reliably judged solely on the basis of their size and bulk.

In addition to improvements in technology, improvements made in modernabsorbent articles in an effort to increase in-use comfort and consumersatisfaction have resulted in the proliferation of sizes, shapes,conformations and brands in the field of disposable absorbent articlessuch as feminine care articles. Because of the proliferation of sizes,shapes, conformations and brands in the field of disposable absorbentarticles, customers have difficulty differentiating between the manytypes of articles and the variations of article characterizations withinthese article types. In other words, differentiation and selection ofabsorbent articles is difficult due to the many types of articles andvariations of article characterizations within these article types. Forexample, differentiation and selection of catamenial articles areparticularly difficult due to the many choices of article absorbenciessuch as: light absorbency, regular absorbency, and extra absorbency andarticle configurations, for example, daytime articles, nighttimearticles, winged versions and the like. Differentiation and selection ofarticles is also particularly difficult when there is not any artwork,color, and/or shape which differentiates each type of absorbent article.

Often color is used to convey a particular performance characteristic ofa given article. For example, at least one manufacturer of catamenialtampons uses color-based signals on both the outer packaging and thewrapper of such tampons to denote absorbent capacity. In such articles,different colors are used to represent different article characteristiclevels (in this case absorbency). For example, a green band on thepackage and wrapper of a tampon might signal a “super” absorbencytampon, while a blue band might signal a “regular” absorbency tampon.

However, it is problematic when the tampon or absorbent article isremoved from the wrapper and/or package and there is not any indicationof the type of product absorbency. Thus, there is a need for anintuitive method of signaling to the user the absorbency which isindependent of the packaging and/or wrapper when the article is thenremoved from the original container and placed in the bathroom drawer,purse, etc.

Proper selection of consumer articles requires an explicit signal.Despite considerable attention being given to such matters, mistakescontinue to be made by consumers. In some instances, the consumer may beinattentative to the packaging which signals the absorbency or unable todetermine the thinness or thickness of the article, or may have alimited amount of time to make a selection of a given article. Inothers, linguistic difficulties may contribute to improper selection andusage.

Typical instructional matter pertaining to the proper selection and useof absorbent articles conventionally comprises printed text, pictures,diagrams, labels, and combinations thereof located on the package. Theobjective of any optimal instructional matter is to be univocal, i.e.,to convey a message regarding proper selection and usage in such aclear, concise, and exact manner that essentially any user, regardlessof the package or wrapper, is prompted to choose and employ the articlecorrectly.

Accordingly, the proper usage of extra, regular, or light capacityabsorbent articles begins with the proper selection of such articlesindependent of the package and/or wrapper. The present inventionprovides an easy and intuitive signal for selecting a package with theproper absorbency, which provides a consumer benefit and ensures thatthe right article is chosen.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an array of disposable absorbentarticles. The array comprises a first absorbent article and a secondabsorbent article. The first absorbent article is enclosed in a firstpackage comprising i.) an outer surface wherein the outer surfacecomprises an outer surface area and ii.) a first identifier comprising afirst surface area. The first identifier is disposed on the firstabsorbent article and corresponds to a first absorbency. The firstidentifier is disposed on the first package. A second absorbent articleis enclosed in a second package comprising i.) an outer surface whereinthe outer surface comprises an outer surface area and ii.) a secondidentifier comprising a second surface area. The second identifier isdisposed on the second absorbent article and corresponds to a secondabsorbency. The second identifier is disposed on the second package. Thefirst surface area of the first absorbent article is different than thesecond surface area of the second absorbent article.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming the subject matter that is regarded as formingthe present invention, it is believed that the invention will be betterunderstood from the following description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tampon of the present inventionincorporating a compressed absorbent member and an overwrap covering theexterior surface and forming a skirt.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an assembled absorbent material and overwrapprior to compression.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of one embodiment of the tampon of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the embodiment in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of one embodiment of the tampon of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the embodiment in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of one embodiment of the tampon of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the embodiment in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a view of an array of feminine hygiene articles of the presentinvention.

FIG. 10 is a view of an array of feminine hygiene articles and acorresponding array of packaging of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a view of an array of feminine hygiene articles and acorresponding array of packaging of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a view of an array of feminine hygiene articles of thepresent invention.

FIG. 13 is a view of an array of feminine hygiene articles and acorresponding array of packaging of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a view of an array of feminine hygiene articles of thepresent invention.

FIG. 15 is a view of an array of feminine hygiene articles and acorresponding array of packaging of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Section A will provide terms which will assist the reader in bestunderstanding the features of the invention but not to introducelimitations in the terms inconsistent with the context in which they areused in this specification. These definitions are not intended to belimiting. Section B will discuss the tampon of the present invention.

A. Terms

The following are terms which will assist the reader in bestunderstanding the features of the invention, but do not introducelimitations in the terms inconsistent with the context in which they areused in this specification. These definitions are not intended to belimiting.

“Absorbent articles” as referred to herein are primarily sanitarynapkins, sanitary panties, interlabial devices, intravaginal devices(tampons), adult incontinence products, infant diapers, pantiliners, andthe like. Theses articles have been described in the extensive patentliterature and many such articles are in the stream of commerce. See,for example, for sanitary napkins, U.S. Pat. No. 4,463,045 issued to Ahret al. and U.S. Pat. No. 4,556,146 issued to Swanson et al.; fortampons, U.S. Pat. No. 5,087,239 issued to Beastall et al. and U.S. Pat.No. 5,279,541 issued to Frayman et al.; and for diapers, U.S. Pat. No.4,573,986 issued to Minetola et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,695,278 issued toLawson; U.S. Pat. No. 4,081,301 issued to Buell; and U.S. Pat. No.4,515,595 issued to Kievit. Typically, the disclosed absorbent articlescontain an absorbent structure in the form of a “core” or a pad. Variousfluid-permeable topsheets, fluid-imperneable backsheets,panty-protective “wings,” tape fasteners are optionally used toconstruct elements for such articles and are all within the experienceof those of ordinary skill in the art.

The term, “surface area” as used herein refers to the measure of anytwo-dimensional figure within a 1 cm by 1 cm measured portion, such thattwo surface areas may be compared relatively to one another. While themeasured portion will have a defined dimension, the surface area withinthat portion will always be different from the defined dimension if thetampon has topographical features such as protuberances, depressions,and grooves present within the measured portion. Any known method may beused so long as the measurement does not alter or otherwise distort thesurface area, such as by swelling the materials. The preferred method ofmeasure involves image analysis using any image analysis software oralgorithm for assessing surface area. It should be understood that thesurface area of interest is that which is apparent at the millimeterscale using light microscopy or macrophotography. As well, it should benoted that the surface area is not at the molecular or atomic scale,e.g. techniques such as AFM or BET are not useful herein.

As used herein, “indicator” refers to a signal perceptible to the userthat corresponds to a functionally distinguishable characteristic of afeminine hygiene article. In a system of products, thefunctionally-distinguishable characteristic of a feminine hygienearticle is a characteristic that is different in surface area from otherproducts in the same array. The indicator can be any indicia and/orshape. As used herein, indicia is any identifying marking, which mayinclude words and/or graphics identifying the product in use.

As used herein, “compression” refers to the process of pressing,squeezing, compacting or otherwise manipulating the size, shape, and/orvolume of a material to obtain a tampon having a vaginally insertableshape. The term “compressed” refers to the state of a material ormaterials subsequent to compression. Conversely, the term “uncompressed”refers to the state of a material or materials prior to compression. Theterm “compressible” is the ability of a material to undergo compression.

As used herein, the term “density” is used with its common technicalmeaning with units of g/cm³ or g/cc. The density may refer specificallyto that of a specific region or feature of the tampon as noted. Thedensity will be measured, unless otherwise noted, by taking the weightdivided by the geometric volume described by the shape. Unless noted,density refers to that of the overall structure and not the individualcomponents, and will include in the measurement void volume of smallpores and voids within the overall structure.

The term “digital tampon” refers to a tampon which is intended to beinserted into the vaginal canal with the user's finger and without theaid of an applicator. Thus, digital tampons are typically visible to theconsumer prior to use rather than being housed in an applicator.

The term “folded” as used herein, is the configuration of the tamponpledget that may be incidental to lateral compaction of the absorbentmaterial or may purposely occur prior to a compression step. Such aconfiguration is readily recognizable, for example, when the absorbentmaterial abruptly changes direction such that one part of the absorbentmaterial bends and lies over another part of the absorbent material.

As used herein, “generally cylindrical” refers to the usual shape oftampons as is well known in the art, but which also includes oblate orpartially flattened cylinders, curved cylinders, and shapes which havevarying cross-sectional areas (such as a Coke™ bottle shape). Thelongitudinal axis refers to the longest linear dimension of the tampon.The cross-section refers to a slice taken at right angles to thelongitudinal axis.

The term “joined” or “attached,” as used herein, encompassesconfigurations in which a first element is directly secured to a secondelement by affixing the first element directly to the second element;configurations in which the first element is indirectly secured to thesecond element by affixing the first element to intermediate member(s)which in turn are affixed to the second element; and configurations inwhich the first element is integral with the second element; i.e., thefirst element is essentially part of the second element.

As used herein, the term “longitudinal axis” of a tampon refers to theaxis that runs through the center of the tampon as shown in FIG. 2. Aportion of the tampon may be asymmetric about the longitudinal axis,such as when the withdrawal end region is flared and distorted from theoriginal shape of the rest of the tampon (such as a “fin shape”).Further, the longitudinal axis may be linear or non-linear.

The “outer surface” of a tampon refers to the visible surface of the(compressed and/or shaped) tampon prior to use and/or expansion. Atleast part of the outer surface may be smooth or alternatively may havetopographic features, such as ribs, spiraling ribs, a mesh pattern, orother topographical features. Typically, tampons are constructed from anabsorbent material, which has been compressed and/or shaped in any orall of the width direction, the radial direction, and the axialdirection, in order to provide a tampon which is of a size and stabilityto allow insertion within the vagina or other body cavity.

The term “cross-section,” as used herein, is any 5 mm thick sectionorthogonal to the longitudinal axis.

As used herein, the terms “pledget” or “tampon pledget” are intended tobe interchangeable and refer to a construction of absorbent materialprior to the compression and/or shaping of such construction into atampon as described above. Pledgets may be rolled, folded or otherwisemanipulated prior to compression. Tampon pledgets are sometimes referredto as tampon blanks, or a softwinds, and the term “pledget” is intendedto include such terms as well. In general in this specification, theterm “tampon” is used to refer to a finished tampon after thecompression and/or shaping process. It will be recognized by those ofskill in the art that in some contexts these terms are interchangeable.The different stages of tampon manufacture are described herein with aneye toward providing the greatest possible clarity. Therefore, the termsused are to assist the reader in best understanding the features of theinvention and not to introduce limitations in the terms not consistentwith the context in which they are used in this specification.

As used herein, a tampon has a “self-sustaining shape” when a tamponpledget has been compressed and/or shaped such that it assumes a generalshape and size, which is vaginally insertable, absent external forces.It will be understood by one of skill in the art that thisself-sustaining shape need not, and preferably does not persist duringactual use of the tampon. That is, once the tampon is inserted andbegins to acquire fluid, the tampon may begin to expand and may lose itsself-sustaining form.

As used herein, the term “tampon” refers to any type of absorbentstructure that can be inserted into the vaginal cavity or other bodycavities for the absorption of fluid therefrom or for the delivery ofactive materials, such as medicaments or moisture. A tampon can bestraight or non-linear in shape, such as curved along the longitudinalaxis.

Generally, there are two types of tampons. The first type of tampon is aself-sustaining tampon. Tampons are generally “self-sustaining” in thatthey will tend to retain their general shape and size before use. Atypical self-sustaining tampon is 35-60 mm long, the length measuredfrom the top of the tampon to the base of the tampon along alongitudinal axis. The measurement to the base of the tampon does notinclude any overwrap, secondary absorbent member, or withdrawal cordwhich extends beyond the tampon's main absorbent material. A typicalself-sustaining tampon is 5-20 mm wide corresponding to the largestcylindrical cross section. The width can vary along the length of theself-sustaining tampon.

The second type of tampon is an easily “deformable, fluid-permeable bagtampon”. The deformable, fluid-permeable bag tampon consists of, but isnot limited to, pieces such as absorbent chips, spheres, or fibers suchthat the fluid permeable bag tampon is readily deformable with a forceof less than about 3 psi. The tampon is substantially deformable atpressures of less than about 1 psi; resulting in the tampon spreading orbeing easily indented when the pressure is applied from a surface ofabout 0.15 mm diameter.

As used herein, the terms “vaginal cavity” and “within the vagina” referto the internal genitalia of the human female in the pudendal region ofthe body.

B. General Description of Basis Parts of a Tampon

Referring to FIG. 1, a tampon 20 may be stored within the package 60(FIG. 10). FIG. 1 shows a tampon 20 of the present invention. The tampon20 can be any shape in the art and any type of tampon known in the art.In one non-limiting example, tampon 20 could be a shaped tampon 20, suchas that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,824,536. FIG. 1 illustrates atampon 20 for feminine hygiene.

Referring to FIGS. 1-2, in general, tampon 20 comprises a compressedabsorbent member 22 which comprises absorbent material 28 and a fluidpermeable overwrap 40 that covers absorbent member 22. Overwrap 40 mayextend beyond one end of absorbent member 22 to form a skirt portion 44.A removal means, such as string 48 can be provided to facilitate removalof the tampon 20 after use. Tampons, including overwraps for use as thebody contacting surface thereof, are well known in the art and need nodetailed description of various alternative and optional designs.

Each major element of the tampon 20 is described below.

a. Absorbent Material

Referring to FIG. 2, the absorbent material 28 may be any suitable sizeand thickness suitable for compression into a tampon 20 (FIG. 1) havinga vaginally insertable shape. A more detailed description ofliquid-absorbing materials and pledget shapes and dimensions can befound in currently pending and commonly assigned, U.S. patent Ser. No.10/039,979, filed Oct. 24, 2001, entitled “Improved Protection andComfort Tampon,” to Agyapong, et al. A typical size for absorbentmaterial 28 prior to compression may be from about 40 mm to about 100 mmin length and from about 40 mm to about 80 mm in width. The typicalrange for the overall basis weight is from about 150 gsm to about 1200gsm.

The absorbent material 28 may be a laminar structure comprised ofintegral or discrete layers. In other embodiments, the absorbentmaterial 28 need not have a layered structure at all. If the compressedabsorbent material 28 of the present invention is layered, the layersmay comprise different materials.

The absorbent material 28 may comprise a folded structure or may berolled. The resulting compressed absorbent member 22 (FIG. 1) of thetampon 20 may be constructed from a wide variety of liquid-absorbingmaterials commonly used in absorbent articles such as rayon (includingtri-lobal and conventional rayon fibers), cotton, or comminuted woodpulp which is generally referred to as airfelt. Examples of othersuitable absorbent materials 28 include creped cellulose wadding;meltblown polymers including coform; chemically stiffened, modified orcross-linked cellulosic fibers; synthetic fibers such as crimpedpolyester fibers; foam; tissue including tissue wraps and tissuelaminates; or any equivalent material or combinations of materials, ormixtures of these. Additionally, superabsorbent materials, such as superpolymers or absorbent gelling and open-celled foams materials may beincorporated into the tampon.

The materials for the tampon 20 can be formed into a fabric, web, orbatt that is suitable for use in the absorbent material 28 by anysuitable process such as airlaying, carding, wetlaying, hydroentangling,needling or other known techniques.

Pressures and temperatures suitable for compression are well known inthe art. Typically, the absorbent material 28 and the overwrap 40 arecompressed in the radial direction and optionally axially by any meanswell known in the art. While a variety of techniques are known andacceptable for these purposes, a modified tampon compressor machineavailable from Hauni Machines, Richmond, Va., is suitable.

The fibrous material of the tampon 20 of the present invention may haveuniform density over a cross section of the tampon 20. Alternatively,fibrous material of the tampon 20 may have varying density over a crosssection of the tampon 20. A tampon 20 having varying densities isdescribed in greater detail in co-pending patent application filed Nov.4, 2003, entitled “Substantially Serpentine Shaped Tampon with VaryingDensity Regions”, to Almond, Docket Number 9419 and co-pending patentapplication filed Nov. 4, 2003, entitled “Substantially SerpentineShaped Tampon with Varying Density Regions”, to Almond, Docket Number9418.

b. Overwrap:

Referring to FIG. 2, in the embodiments shown, the overwrap material 40is generally rectangular, but other shapes such as trapezoidal,triangular, hemispherical, chevron, hourglass shaped, “T” and “L” shapedare also acceptable. Optimally, the overwrap 40 may correspond to theshape of the absorbent material 28. The overwrap 40 is positioned aroundthe absorbent material 28 so that the overwrap 40 may be proximate withthe insertion end 38 of the absorbent material 28. In this regard, theoverwrap 40 could exactly match up to the insertion end 38 or could forexample extend from about 2 mm to about 8 mm over the insertion end 38.As well, the overwrap 40 may extend beyond the withdrawal end 42 to forma skirt portion 44 as discussed below.

Because the overwrap 40 can be wrapped in the various configurations,the width of the overwrap 40 may vary. The width of the overwrap 40 maybe wider or less wide than the measure of the longitudinal or transverseaxis of the absorbent material 28 it is being wrapped around.

The overwrap 40 substantially covers both the first surface 34 and thesecond surface 36 of the absorbent material 28. “Substantially covers”in this case means that the overwrap 40 covers at least about 75%,optionally at least about 90% of the combined surface area of the firstsurface 34 and the second surface 36. The overwrap 40 may be wrappedaround the longitudinal axis “L” or the transverse axis “T” as shown inthe attached figures in another embodiment. As well, two or moreseparate pieces of overwrap 40 can sandwich the absorbent material 28.

The overwrap 40 may be joined to the absorbent material 28 by anyvariety of means. The overwrap 40 may be joined to itself or to theabsorbent material 28. For example, one portion of overwrap 40 may bejoined to an opposed portion of the overwrap 40 or the absorbentmaterial 28 using any suitable adhesive or heat/pressure bonding means.Such adhesive may extend continuously along the length of attachment orit may be applied in a “dotted” fashion at discrete intervals. Onemethod of heat bonding includes thermally bonding, fusion bonding, orany other suitable means known in the art for joining such materials.Alternatively, the overwrap 40 may be joined to the absorbent material28 along with the withdrawal cord 48 by sewing as shown in FIG. 2. Suchsewing may use natural or synthetic thread.

The material of the overwrap 40 may comprise materials such as rayon,cotton, bicomponent fibers, polyethylene, polypropylene, other suitablenatural or synthetic fibers known in the art, and mixtures thereof. Thetampon 20 may have a nonwoven overwrap comprised of bicomponent fibersthat have a polypropylene core surrounded by polyethylene manufacturedby Vliesstoffwerke Christian Heinrich Sandler GmbH & Co.KG(Schwarzenbach/Saale, Germany) under the tradename SAS B31812000. Thetampon 20 may comprise a nonwoven overwrap of a hydroentangled blend of50% rayon, 50% polyester available as BBA 140027 produced by BBACorporation of South Carolina, U.S. The overwrap may be 100% polyester.The overwrap 40 may be treated to be hydrophilic, hydrophobic, wickingor non-wicking. The tampon pledget may also contain a variety of otheradjuvants such as odor control agents, antibacterial agents, colorants,indicators for various kinds of illnesses such as yeast infections,indicator features for signaling when the tampon should be changed, andthe like.

c. Skirt Portion/Secondary Absorbent

Referring to FIG. 2, the overwrap 40 may extend beyond the withdrawalend 42 to form a skirt portion 44. The length of the skirt portion 44 isnot critical. Typically, the overwrap 40 can extend from about 2 mm toabout 30 mm beyond the withdrawal end 42 of the absorbent material 28.Typically, the overwrap 40 extends from about 5 mm to about 20 mm beyondthe withdrawal end 42 of the absorbent material 28. In one embodiment,the skirt portion 44 may not be compressed.

Referring to FIG. 1, both the compressed absorbent member 22 and skirtportion 44 of the overwrap 40 may reside entirely within the vaginalcavity of the wearer during use of the tampon 20. This is achieved bythe relative closeness of the skirt portion 44 to the withdrawal end 42of the absorbent material 28 as well of the relative size compared tothe overall size of the tampon 20. In particular embodiments, only thewithdrawal cord 48 or other withdrawal means resides externally to theorifice of the vagina.

The tampon of the present invention may comprise a secondary absorbentmember such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,258,075 and 6,599,279.

d. Optional Components

Referring to FIG. 1, optionally, the tampon of the present inventioncould include an additional overwrap 40 that is non-aggressive. In oneembodiment, the tampon 20 of the present invention may comprise awithdrawal member 48. The withdrawal member 48 could be joined to thetampon 20 and graspable for digital removal after use. The withdrawalmember 48 may be joined to at least the primary compressed absorbentmember 22 and extends beyond at least the withdrawal end 42. Thewithdrawal member 48 may be attached in any suitable manner known in theart including sewing, adhesive attachment, bonding, thermal bonding, ora combination thereof including the method disclosed in currentlypending, commonly assigned, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/610,075,filed Jun. 30, 2003, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Cord Attachment”to Sargent, et al. The withdrawal member 48 may be joined to anysuitable location on the tampon.

Any of the withdrawal members 48 currently known in the art may be usedas a suitable withdrawal mechanism. In addition, the withdrawal member48 can take on other forms such as a ribbon, loop, tab, or the like. Thewithdrawal member 48 may be integral with the absorbent material 28(FIG. 2). Withdrawal member 48 useful in the present invention may bemade of any suitable material known in the prior art and include cottonand rayon. The withdrawal member 48 or regions of the withdrawal member48 may be treated to be non-absorbent, absorbent or hydrophilic.

The tampon 20 of the present invention may be inserted digitally. It maybe desirable to provide a finger indent at the withdrawal end 26 of thetampon 20 to aid in insertion, if the tampons 20 are to be digitaltampons. An example of a finger indent can be found in U.S. Pat. No.6,283,952, filed May 5, 1997, entitled “Shaped Tampon,” issued to Child,et al.

Alternatively, the insertion may be aided through the use of anyapplicator adapted from the prior art. Prior art applicators having atypical “tube and plunger” type arrangement may be plastic, paper, orother suitable material. Additionally, a “compact” type applicator isalso suitable.

C. Incorporation of Indicators Into Tampons

The above disclosure is meant to give a general description of the basicparts of feminine hygiene articles such as tampons and the like as theyare known in the art. The description is not intended to be limiting.Any and all of various known elements, features and processes of knowntampons and the like can be incorporated in the feminine hygiene articleof the present invention as desired or needed for particular usebenefits. Now, with respect to the remaining disclosure, the novelfeatures and benefits of the present invention will be described.

In its broadest aspect, the present invention is directed to an array ofdisposable absorbent articles comprising a line-up of disposableabsorbent articles in which each disposable absorbent article comprisesan indicator. When so employed, the surface area that the indicatorcovers provides an easy and intuitive method for indicating theabsorbency of the product. When indicators are placed on the tampon, theindicator provides a method for selecting the proper absorbency productsindependent the package. Thus, when the article is then removed from theoriginal container and placed in the bathroom drawer, purse, etc. theuser can select the proper absorbency product.

By the present invention, a system of distinct indicators is used toimplement the proper selection and use of consumer products, includingcatamenials, especially tampons, sanitary napkins, and interlabialdevices. The present invention may also be used in other fields such asbeauty care, food and beverage, health care, laundry and cleaning, andtissues and towels. For example, indicators may be used in beauty careto denote product performance characteristics such as more or lessmoisture; in coffee products to differentiate between light, medium, anddark roast levels; in the health care area to denote stronger medicinesuch as cough drops and chloraseptics; in laundry and cleaning toindicate a higher concentration of detergent; and in tissues and towelsto denote levels of absorbency. The use of indictors in this mannerunivocally and unequivocally connotes performance characteristics,thereby improving user satisfaction with the product and decreasedanxiety in choosing the correct product.

The indicators are perceived and referred to in terms of the amount ofsurface area that is covered by the tampon. Typically, the more surfacearea that the indicator covers the greater the absorbency that theindicator indicates. For example, in the context of one embodiment thepresent invention, a tampon having six grooves signals a “mini”absorbency tampon; a tampon having nine grooves signals a “normal”absorbency tampon; a tampon having twelve grooves signals an “super”absorbency tampon, and a tampon having fifteen grooves signals an “superplus” absorbency tampon. It will be appreciated by those skilled in thevisual arts that the number of grooves are relative, not absolute, termsthat can be used to compare the surface areas with each other.

With such a line up, the consumer is able to remember easily that lesssurface area corresponds to lower absorbency while higher absorbencycorresponds to a higher surface area. Preferably, the variation insurface area is great enough to be readily perceived by a consumerwithout having to refer to an external basis or calibration means forcomparison. For example, if the product performance characteristic beingrepresented is absorbency, an indicator covering about 24% of thesurface area of the tampon might represent low absorbency. An indicatorcovering about 46% of the surface area of the tampon might representhigh absorbency, while an indicator covering about 41% of the surfacearea of the tampon might represent regular absorbency.

Referring to FIG. 3, the indicators 21 may encompass the entire tampon20 or may encompass part of the tampon 20. For example, the indicators21 may encompass one-fourth of the surface area of the tampon 20. In yetanother example, the indicators 21 may encompass two-thirds of thesurface area of the tampon 20.

The indicators 21 may be placed anywhere on the tampon 20. In otherwords, the overall trade dress of the product may use the indicators 21in a variety of ways. Specifically, the indicators 21 may be placedanywhere on the tampon 20, e.g., on the top, sides, or bottom, or allthree.

Referring to FIG. 1, the indicators 21 (FIG. 3) can be placed on theoverwrap 40, absorbent material 28, the skirt 44, on another portion ofthe tampon 20 as long as it is visually perceptible to the user, or onany combination of the components of the tampon 20. Referring to FIG. 2,for example, indicators 21 (FIG. 3) may be placed on the absorbentmaterial 28. In yet another non-limiting example, indicators 21(FIG. 3)may be placed on the absorbent material 28 and the overwrap 40. In yetanother non-limiting example, indicators 21 (FIG. 3) may be placed onthe absorbent material 28, the overwrap 40, and the skirt 44.

Referring to FIG. 3, indicators 21 may be visually perceptible bytechniques including, but not limited to, printing, stamping, coating,impregnating, embossing, folding, any known process that makes a visual,or even tactile, impression that indicates the indicator 21 having asurface area, or any combinations thereof. Various printing methods maybe used to impart indicators 21 including, but not limited to,letterpress, flexography, gravure, offset lithography, screen, andinkjet. Indicators 21 can comprise printed indicia, such asink-jet-printed figures, designs, lines or line segments, or embossedridges or bumps, folds, pleats, or any other means known in the art forproviding visible indications that impart an indictor 21 which coversthe surface area of the tampon 20 and aids the user in choosing theproper absorbency tampon from a line-up of tampons.

Indicators 21 can be any size or shape. Indicators 21 can be any size aslong as the indicator 21 is able to be readily perceived by a consumerwithout having to refer to an external basis or calibration means forcomparison. The indicator 21 can be circular, square, rectangular,triangular, arced, curved, or any other conceivable shape possible aslong as the indicator 21 is able to be readily perceived by a consumerwithout having to refer to an external basis or calibration means forcomparison. While the indicators 21 can be a wide range of shapes, it ispreferred to use a member selected from the group consisting of straightgrooves, spiral grooves, flower petals, ellipses, and mixtures thereof.

The indicator(s) 21 may be formed to have essentially identical size andshape as compared to other indicators 21 on the individual tampon 20. Inone non-limiting example, the tampon has twenty indicators shaped likeprotuberances. Each protuberance is identical to the otherprotuberances. Alternatively, the indicator 21 may be formed to havevarious sizes and shapes as compared to another indicator 21 on thetampon 20. In one non-limiting example, the tampon may have twentyindicators. However, each indicator may have a different geometricshape. Additionally, each indicator may have a different size.

The number of indicators 21 and the distance over which the indicators21 extend may vary. The number of indicators 21 may range from about 1to about 50. Either an even or an odd number of indicators 21 can bepresent. For ease of manufacturing, it is preferred that the indicators21 be equally spaced relative to one another. The indicators 21,however, may be unequally spaced relative to one another.

The distance between each indicator 21 depends upon the area of thetampon 20 and the size and number of indicators 21.

Indicators 21 may be arranged randomly or in a pattern. For example,indicators 21 can be arranged to form any three-dimensional geometricpattern known including but not limited to diagonal lines, straightlines, checkerboard, flowers, ovals, circles, rectangles, trapezoids,triangles, cones, alphabet letters, and mixtures thereof. Alternatively,indicators 21 may be randomly arranged so that the multiplicity ofindicators 21 may comprise merely a surface roughness in no apparentpattern. In addition, indicators 21 may be arranged such that the areasbetween the indicators 21 may form any geometric pattern known includingbut not limited to flowers, ovals, circles, rectangles, trapezoids,triangles, cones, alphabet letters, and mixtures thereof.

The indicator 21 may be formed to have essentially identical size andshape as compared to other indicators 21 in the same line-up. Moreover,while the use of increasing surface area, especially those havingdiffering intensities, can be used to signal absorbency or other productperformance characteristic such as size and strength, it is preferred touse differing surface areas which have indicators 21 of the same basicshape. For example, over the range of absorbencies: one groove whichcovers 10% of the surface area of the tampon can signal lightabsorbency; two grooves which covers 30% of the surface area of thetampon can signal regular absorbency; and three grooves which covers 60%of the surface area of the tampon can signal extra absorbency.

Alternatively, the indicator 21 may be formed to have various sizes andshapes as compared to another indicators 21 in the same line-up. Inother embodiments, the indicators 21 may have shapes which are notsimilar as long as the indicators 21 on each tampon 20 have an increasedsurface area which correlates with the increased absorbency. Animportant advantage of using a range of surface areas within the line-upis that continuity for the visual selection of the overall product lineis maintained, while the user is provided with the desired intuitiveselection, and usage means which is the object of this invention.

In a preferred mode, the product herein is displayed in a manner suchthat the consumer's attention is drawn to the entire product line. Theproduct line may be, but is not limited to the fields of beauty care;food and beverage; health care; laundry and cleaning; and tissues andtowels. The product line may contain two or more products. Thus, on astore shelf or display rack, the products have the gradation ofabsorbencies are preferably placed in a side-by-side array, mostpreferably in ascending order of absorbency. The ascending order may befrom left to right; right to left; up to down; down to up; horizontally;or diagonally. It is noted that side-by-side herein means that allarticles in the product line are in sufficient proximity to each other,either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally to be within theconsumer's zone of perception at the same time. The products should bein close enough proximity to prevent undue confusion for the consumer.Thus, in a horizontal display reading from left-to-right, productshaving low absorbency (indicators covering less surface area), mediumabsorbency (indicators covering more surface area than the lowabsorbency tampon but the indicators covering less surface area coveragethan the high absorbency tampon), and high absorbency (indicatorscovering more surface area than the medium absorbency tampon) aredisplayed together. This not only draws attention to the entire productline, but also provides additional visual signals to the consumer byvirtue of the side-by-side display.

C. Packaging

The present invention is directed to tampons having indicators packagedin containers such as packages, bags, boxes, or cartons, which carry asimilar visual indicator placed on the package, bag, box, or carton toaid a user in choosing an appropriate tampon for an appropriatefunction. The visual indicator may be placed anywhere on the package,e.g., on the top, sides, or bottom, or on all three. For example, asshown in FIG. 10, the tampons 20 with indicators 21 described in FIG. 9can be packaged in an array 77 of packages 60 bearing a visual indicator62 that corresponds in visual distinction to indicator 21. In anothernon-limiting example, the visual indicator can be replica of the tamponwhich is packaged. Thus, the consumer has an idea of what the tamponlooks like inside the package. Thus the indicators 21 placed on thetampon is substantially the same as the visual indicator placed on thepackage in the form of the tampon. Thus, if indicator 21 is a shape,visual indicator 62 can be a matching or substantially-matching shape.By “substantially-matching” is meant the shape is close enough that thetampon and the packaging can be easily matched by one comparing tamponsand packaging. For example, substantially-matching shapes can bematching the shapes, styles, or overall appearance of visual indicators62 with corresponding indicators 21. A consumer or user of femininehygiene articles can choose a feminine hygiene article having a desiredfunctional characteristic more easily based on the packaging, with aconfirmation or reinforcement of that functional characteristic on eachtampon inside the packaging.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, an array 77 of packaging 60can have at least one window or other substantially transparent opening66 through which at least a portion of feminine hygiene articles such astampons 20 inside packaging 60 can be seen. Window 66 (or windows 66 iftwo or more are present) can be a cutout portion of packaging 60 or acutout having a transparent polymeric covering, or any other means knownin the art to facilitate visual identification of indicator 21 ofarticles packaged inside otherwise opaque packaging. In one embodiment,feminine hygiene articles can be individually packaged in individualwrappers prior to packaging in an array 77 of packages 60. In suchembodiments, a corresponding visual indicator can be utilized on otherportions of feminine hygiene articles or individual wrappers asnecessary to indicate an array of indicators 21 through window 66.

Referring to FIG. 12, in another embodiment, feminine hygiene articles,such as tampons 20, can have indicators 21 that provide directinformation-bearing signals to the user, such as numerals or writtenindicia that communicate information by way of clearly understoodgradations in scale. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, an array 75 oftampons 20 can be identified by a number, with increasing numbersindicating an increase in a functional characteristic. For example,increasing numbers can signal an increasing amount of absorbent capacityrelative to lower-numbered articles. As shown in FIG. 12, for example,the article on the far right numbered with the numeral “3” can have moreabsorbent capacity than that of the article in the middle numbered withthe numeral “2”. Other indicators 21 could be used for a more aestheticappearance.

Feminine hygiene articles providing direct information-bearing signalsto the user can be packaged in an array of containers such as packages,bags, boxes, or cartons, which carry similar information-bearing signalsto aid a user in choosing an appropriate pad for an appropriatefunction. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the tampons 20 described inFIG. 12 can be packaged in an array 77 of poly bags 60 bearing a visualindicator 62 that corresponds in visual distinction to indicator 21.Thus, if indicator 21 is a numeral, visual indicator 62 can be amatching numeral. Thus, a consumer or user of feminine hygiene articlescan choose a feminine hygiene article having a desired functionalcharacteristic more easily based on the packaging, with a confirmationor reinforcement of that functional characteristic on each tampon insidethe packaging. Packaging can be transparent, at least in portions, suchthat the indicator 21 on one of the tampons 20 shows through thepackaging to serve as both the indicator 21 and the visual indicator 62.

FIG. 14 shows an array 75 of tampons 20 having a plurality of indicators21. As shown, each tampon 20 can have information-bearing writtenindicia 70 to literally “spell out” the functional characteristic, suchas light absorbency, regular absorbency, or super absorbency capacity.In addition, or separately, an array of tampons 20 can be differentiatedby the number of visually distinct pattern elements 72 such as the heartshapes shown in FIG. 14. Thus, the greater number of hearts, the greaterthe characteristic signaled by the indicator 21. In addition, orseparately, the indicator 21 can include a shortened form of theinformation-bearing written indicia 74, such as “L” for lightabsorbency, “R” for regular absorbency, and the “S” for superabsorbency.

In each case of the embodiments of the present invention shown in FIGS.9-14, one benefit to the user is the identification in an array ofproducts of differing functional characteristics, the product orproducts the user can choose for her particular needs.

Further, another benefit to the user is the ability to take visualnotice after use of a product to identify the product for future use.Thus, a user may use the middle tampon shown in FIG. 14, for example,and find that it is perfect for her needs. Upon removing the tampon shehas direct visual reinforcement as to which tampon of all the variouskinds it is. This enables her to easily replace it with a like tamponwithout having to remember what kind of tampon she used. For thisreason, it may be desirable to place indicators 21 near the tamponperiphery, such as pattern elements 72 or written indicia 74, such thatthe fluid absorbed in the tampon 20 during use does not alter or maskthe indicator 21.

Again, with respect to the tampons 20 shown in FIG. 14, each tampon 20can be individually packaged in an array 77 of flexible poly wrappers 60as shown in FIG. 15. Optionally, the tampons 20 of the present inventioncan be packaged in wrappers which are loose, conforming, tightlyconforming and mixtures thereof to the exterior surface 26 (FIG. 1) ofthe tampon 20 in order to visually show the consumer the tampon packagedtherein. Tightly conforming wrappers are particularly useful when shapedtampons are intended to be used digitally and therefore are not housedin an applicator prior to use. The wrappers should substantially encloseeach individual tampon 20 and are removed prior to insertion and use.“Tightly conforming,” means that there is substantially no visuallynoticeable void space between the wrapper and the tampon 20. Sincetampons 20 are typically made by compressing fibrous absorbent materialinto a self-sustaining shape, the tightly conforming wrapper canoptionally be used to act with a certain compressing force on theexterior surface 26 of the tampon 20, which will aid in maintaining theself-sustaining shape by counteracting the expansion of the compressedmaterial. Such wrappers are discussed in detail currently pending andcommonly assigned, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/150055, filedMar. 18, 2002, entitled “Shaped Tampon,” to Kollowitz.

The wrapper, and, if so packaged, the box or bag of individually wrapped30 tampons, can be identified by a corresponding visual signal 62 forone or more of the functional enhancement indicators 21. As shown inFIG. 15, each tampon 20 can be wrapped in a flexible wrapper that canalso function as a wrapper for the tampon after use, as is known in theart. The wrapper can have thereon in a visually-distinct manner, such asby printing, a visual signal 62 corresponding to one or more indicators21, such as the distinct heart-shaped pattern element 72, the writtenindicia 70, and/or the shortened form of the information-bearing writtenindicia 74.

In one embodiment a disposable feminine hygiene article of the presentinvention can be packaged either singly or in a package with otherdisposable absorbent articles such as other absorbent pads orincontinence devices. The package can be labeled as to the intended use,as well as instructions for use, i.e., a method of connoting theabsorbency of the absorbent article to the user.

To aid the user in using the indicators having indicators, that is, toaid the user in using the indicators, the feminine hygiene article canbe provided with instructions for use. Instructions for use can beprovided on or in the packaging in which the feminine hygiene article issold, on related advertising or display media, or on the femininehygiene article itself. The instructions can be printed on packaging,such as on an outside surface thereof, or on a separate paper placedinside the packaging. A package can comprise a plurality of femininehygiene articles, and each feminine hygiene article can be individuallywrapped or packaged, as is commonly known in the art. Instructions foruse can include indicia such as text and pictorial diagrams. The printedinstructions can include instructions for choosing a feminine hygienearticle of the present invention based on the size of the user'sundergarment, the user's flow requirements, the user's age or weight, orany other criteria useful for choosing an effective feminine hygienearticle.

A user can choose the appropriate feminine hygiene article by followingthe method herein described. First, there is a choice of femininehygiene articles which are enclosed in packages differentiated byintended use, such as menstrual use or incontinence use, the user canchoose one or the other. The user can choose the feminine hygienepackage having the functionally characteristics desired, possibly froman array of products differentiated by the indicators. In anotherembodiment, the user can choose by reference to a use guide posted on aplainly visible sign or banner showing various choices in feminineprotection and corresponding indicators or visual signals correspondingto the users needs. In one embodiment the use guide can be madeavailable electronically, such as via the internet. Once the user haschosen and obtained her feminine hygiene article, the following methodsteps are followed.

The user can then remove one feminine hygiene article from itspackaging, including any individual wrappers, if any. Once the femininehygiene article is unwrapped, unfolded, or otherwise prepared forplacement, the user can observe the indicator(s) provided thereon andprepare to insert the tampon. During removal, the user can observe theindicator.

All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are,are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation ofany document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior artwith respect to the present invention.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

1. An array of disposable absorbent articles, said array comprising: a.)a first absorbent article being enclosed in a first package comprisingi. an outer surface wherein said outer surface comprises an outersurface area and ii. a first identifier comprising a first surface area,wherein said first identifier is disposed on said first absorbentarticle and corresponds to a first absorbency, said first identifierdisposed on said first package; and b.) a second absorbent article beingenclosed in a second package comprising i. an outer surface wherein saidouter surface comprises an outer surface area and ii. a secondidentifier comprising a second surface area, wherein said secondidentifier is disposed on said second absorbent article and correspondsto a second absorbency, said second identifier disposed on said secondpackage; c.) wherein said first surface area of said first absorbentarticle being different than said second surface area of said secondabsorbent article.
 2. The array of claim 1 wherein said first packagecomprises a first window in said first package, said first windowrevealing said first indicator disposed on said first absorbent article.3. The array of claim 1 wherein said second package comprises a secondwindow in said second package, said second window revealing said secondindicator.
 4. The array of claim 1 wherein said first package comprisesa first window in said first package, said first window revealing saidfirst indicator disposed on said first absorbent article and whereinsaid second package comprises a second window in said second package,said second window revealing said second indicator.
 5. The array ofclaim 1 wherein said second surface area is greater than said firstsurface area.
 6. The array of claim 1 wherein said second absorbency isgreater than said first absorbency.
 7. The array of claim 1 wherein saidouter surface area of said second absorbent article is the same as saidouter surface area of said first absorbent article.
 8. The array ofclaim 1 wherein said first identifier is a shape and said secondidentifier is a shape.
 9. The array of claim 8 wherein said shape ofsaid first identifier is the same shape as said shape of said secondidentifier.
 10. The array of claim 8 wherein said shape of said firstidentifier is a different shape than said shape of said secondidentifier.
 11. The array of claim 8 wherein said shape of said firstidentifier and said second identifier comprises surface aberrations. 12.The array of claim 11 wherein said surface aberrations are selected fromthe group consisting of protuberances, depressions and mixtures thereof.13. The array of claim 12 wherein said surface aberrations are arrangedin a pattern.
 14. The array of claim 13 wherein said pattern is selectedform the group consisting of spiral lines, diagonal lines, straightlines, checkerboard and mixtures thereof.
 15. The array of claim 1wherein said absorbent article is selected from the group consisting ofsanitary napkins, sanitary panties, interlabial devices, tampons, adultincontinence products, diapers, and pantiliners.
 16. The tamponaccording to claim 15 wherein said tampon comprises fibrous materialwherein said tampon has an essentially uniform density over a crosssection of the tampon.
 17. The tampon according to claim 15 wherein saidtampon comprises fibrous material wherein said tampon has varyingdensity over a cross-section of the tampon.
 18. The tampon according toclaim 15 wherein said tampon further comprises a core which is highlycompressed.
 19. An array of disposable absorbent articles, said arraycomprising: a.) a first absorbent article being enclosed in a firstpackage comprising iii. an outer surface wherein said outer surfacecomprises an outer surface area and iv. a first identifier comprising afirst surface area, wherein said first identifier is disposed on saidfirst absorbent article and corresponds to a first absorbency, saidfirst identifier disposed on said first package; and b.) a secondabsorbent article being enclosed in a second package comprising iii. anouter surface wherein said outer surface comprises an outer surface areaand iv. a second identifier comprising a second surface area, whereinsaid second identifier is disposed on said second absorbent article andcorresponds to a second absorbency, said second identifier disposed onsaid second package; c.) wherein said first surface area of said firstabsorbent article being the same as said second surface area of saidsecond absorbent article.
 20. The array of claim 19 wherein saidabsorbent article is selected from the group consisting of sanitarynapkins, sanitary panties, interlabial devices, intravaginal devices,adult incontinence products, diapers, and pantiliners.